Scholarships in Canada: A Comprehensive Guide for International Students

Over the years Canada has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for international students because of its quality education, better job opportunities, and high PR prospects. However, getting a higher education from another country may be financially challenging. Fortunately, scholarships in Canada provide substantial assistance in terms of finance to the international students to pursue quality education. In this blog, you will learn about the types of scholarships in Canada, how to qualify for them, and how to apply.

Types of Scholarships in Canada

Scholarships for international students in Canada are of different types to meet the requirements of the students in terms of level of study. Here are the primary categories:

1) Merit-Based Scholarships

These scholarships are offered based on academic performance, leadership skills, and other co-curricular activities. These scholarships are accessible to international students who have good academic performance. Some of the universities that have merit-based scholarships include, the University of Niagara Falls, Laurentian University, Nipissing University, University of Canada West, University of Toronto, and McGill University, to mention but a few. 

2) Need-Based Scholarships

The element of need is the primary focus of need-based scholarships hence the name. The purpose of these scholarships is to assist students coming from financially disadvantaged families. While not as prevalent as in Canada, many institutions award these to ensure that students who cannot afford the tuition fees get a chance at receiving quality education.

3) Government-Funded Scholarships

The Canadian government has several scholarship programs for international students to encourage educational diversification and cross-border cooperation. Some of the scholarships for international students include the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s Programme (CGS-M) and Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships.

4) University-Specific Scholarships

Canadian universities have their scholarship programs, which may also differ from university to university and academic field. For instance, the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto and the Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award at the University of British Columbia are among the scholarships reserved for international students with leadership skills.

5) Private or External Scholarship

Several private organisations, NGOs, and foundations in Canada offer scholarships to international students. These scholarships normally target specific areas of study or specific categories of students. For instance, Trudeau Foundation Scholarships target doctoral students in the social sciences and humanities.

6) Country-Specific Scholarships

There are scholarships that are only available for students from specific countries in Canada. For instance, the IDRC Research Awards are available to students from developing countries, while Commonwealth Scholarships are for students from Commonwealth countries interested in studying in Canada.

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Eligibility Requirements for Scholarships in Canada

The requirements for applying for scholarships in Canada may not be the same for all institutions, programs, or types of scholarships. However, there are common criteria that most scholarship programs tend to follow:

1) Academic Excellence

Many scholarships, especially merit-based ones, consider academic accomplishment a crucial factor. Scholarships go to students who have a higher GPA, good academic performance, and records of success in the area of study applied for. In the case of postgraduate scholarships, the research proposal may also need to be submitted with the application.

2) English/French proficiency 

Since Canada is a bilingual country, international students are normally expected to provide evidence of English or French language skills. Acceptable and widely- recognized English tests are TOEFL and IELTS, while French tests accepted are TEF or Test d’Évaluation de Français.

3) Leadership and Community Participation

Some of the scholarships, like the Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships, highlight leadership and involvement in community service. Co-curricular activities, volunteer services, and positions of responsibility in schools or groups can complement your application.

4) Research Experience (for Graduate Students)

Most postgraduate scholarships, especially those offered to do research, have specific requirements of prior research experience or a well-formulated research idea. Scholarship programs such as the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships are rather selective and aim at students with great potential in research.

5) Nationality

Some scholarships may only allow the student from a particular country especially if the scholarship has been funded by the government of that country. It is wise to always look at the nationality restrictions before applying in order to avoid wasting time and effort.

6) Programme of Study

There are certain scholarships that are awarded to students pursuing particular courses, disciplines, or years of study. For instance, there are scholarships such as the Trudeau Foundation Scholarships for students who intend to study at the doctoral level in the social sciences.

How to Apply for Scholarships in Canada?

Scholarships in Canada can be highly competitive, but the process is very much doable as long as certain strategies are in place. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process:

1) Research Scholarship Opportunities

When searching for scholarships, start with the list of scholarships that match your academic performance, area of study, and the amount of money you require. Every university usually provides information on scholarships it offers on its website, and other external scholarship-providing agencies also post their application details on their website. ScholarshipsCanada and IDP are other useful tools that you can use when searching for scholarships as well.

2) Prepare Required Documents

Most scholarships will require several documents as part of your application. Typical documentation includes:

  • Academic transcripts
  • Proof of English or French proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, or TEF results)
  • Letters of recommendation from teachers, professors, or employers
  • Statement of purpose or personal essay outlining your academic goals and why you deserve the scholarship
  • Resume or CV detailing your academic, work, and extracurricular achievements

For post-graduate applicants, a well-crafted research proposal may also be necessary.

3) Submit Your Application

Make sure that your application is comprehensive and that it is submitted on time. Lack of documents or submitting them late can be a reason for you not being considered. Ensure that you have documented submission and where possible monitor the status of your application.

4) Prepare for an Interview (if applicable)

It is important to note that some scholarships require an interview as one of the criteria. If shortlisted, candidates will be called for an interview with either the scholarship committee or university officials. Ensure that you are ready to speak about your academic interests, accomplishments, and how you will contribute to the academic society in Canada.

5) Follow-Up

After submitting your application, you should check your email regularly and be on the lookout for any information from the scholarship givers. Sometimes, you may be requested to furnish extra paperwork or explain something, so it is important to stay communicative.

Some Universities and their Scholarships

University NameUndergraduate ScholarshipPost Graduate Scholarship
University of Niagara FallsCAD 1000 - 11,000 Eligibility criteria from 70% onwardsCAD 2000 - 50,000

Eligibility from 70% onwards
Laurentian UniversityCAD 40,000 - 60,000. Eligibility criteria from 70% onwardsnil
Nipissing UniversityUp to CAD 24,000 

Eligibility criteria from 80% onwards
nil
University of Canada WestUp to CAD 8,000 

Eligibility from 75% onwards
CAD 2000. 

Eligibility above 75% 


Conclusion

Scholarships in Canada act as a window for international students to be able to study in Canadian institutions without worrying about how to finance their education. Whether it is the scholarships based on merit, necessity, or the opportunities funded by the government, there are many choices. Therefore, depending on the type of scholarship, the eligibility criteria, and the application process, one can easily increase the chances of getting a scholarship and achieving the dream of studying in Canada.

Connect with the certified career advisors at Edroots International for personalised guidance on studying in Canada: +91 9349 555 333